According to research from the White House, 1 in 5 women between the ages of 16 and 24 will be a victim of sexual assault and dating violence. Pretty alarming, right? Vice President Joe Biden thinks so, and, as a result, launched the “Apps Against Abuse” technology challenge in conjunction with Kathleen Sebelius, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to find innovations that could help to prevent abuse.

Circle of 6, which is a free iPhone app, won the challenge and recently launched its unique technology. Nancy Schwartzman, the co-creator of the app, told WebProNews that it was an honor to win the White House challenge. However, she indicated that a greater honor would be keeping individuals safe from sexual abuse.

The app is geared toward college students and allows users to place 6 of their friends in a circle, which can be reached by the touch of a button. Circle of 6 creates automated messages that users can send to their trusted circle if they find themselves in a situation where they need a ride home, an interruption, relationship advice, and more.

The app incorporates GPS, but only a user can activate it, if the he or she wishes to send their location to their circle.

Schwartzman said that, while the app is currently only available on the iOS platform, it would be accessible on other mobile platforms in the very near future.

Do you see this app as an effective means for protecting individuals against sexual abuse? What do you think?